Welsh Conservatives have praised the “transformational” potential of the proposed tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, following a visit today.

The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, and South Wales West AM, Suzy Davies, were taken on a boat trip around the bay on Friday to explore the site of the project and to discover its potential to make Wales world leaders in renewable energy generation.

It follows the publication of an independent review, which backed the £1.3bn project. Welsh Conservatives have consistently backed the tidal lagoon, and welcomed the Hendry Report.

It is now hoped that the UK Government will give the green light.

Commenting after the visit, Mr Davies – said: “I am as convinced as ever that this transformational project needs to go ahead, and I’m hopeful that the findings of the Hendry Review will be the spur needed to take this project forward.

“Tidal energy holds great promise to be the most reliable and resilient source of green energy available, and the Welsh Conservatives have been supportive of this ambitious scheme since day one.

“I look forward to this project being taken forward by the UK Government.

“We have an opportunity to lead the world in the generation of non-carbon, renewable energy, whilst providing a boost to the whole of the Welsh economy in terms of jobs and investment.”

South Wales West AM, Suzy Davies, said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the proposed site of the tidal lagoon.

“There is a great deal of excitement about the prospect of the first one being located in Swansea, because it has the potential to propel Wales to being global pioneers in the application of this ground-breaking technology.

“The benefits to local jobs, the economy and the future energy needs of Wales, the UK and wider world of this technology are potentially massive and I will continue to push for this project to become a reality.”

Mark Shorrock, chief executive, Tidal Lagoon Power, said: “Andrew, Suzy and the Welsh Conservatives have been with us every step of the way – even on a freezing February morning on the Bay! We very much look forward to now making the transition from development to delivery of a world first infrastructure project for Wales.”